Tokyo - The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., has announced that its off-road racing team, Team Geolandar, will debut in the 2009 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb - the best-known hill climb in the world - using an electric vehicle (EV). The event will be staged on Sunday, July 19, in Colorado, U.S.A. The team refers to the race as the "Yokohama Team Geolandar EV Off-Road Challenge."

The aim of the "Challenge" - part of Yokohama Rubber's efforts to meet its environment responsibilities - is to promote diffusion of the current state and possibility of electric vehicles as well as to develop EV tires for use in severe off-road conditions. The EV racing buggy created by its own efforts of the Team Geolandar will be driven by Mr. Ikuo Hanawa, a strong performer in world-class off-road races, and will be equipped with Geolandar H/T-S tires featuring improved durability and enhancing fuel economy through reduced rolling resistance. Proven in various off-road races including the Asia Cross Country Rally and the Dakar Rally, Yokohama Rubber's "Geolandar" SUV tire brand has been highly evaluated for its handling and maneuverability - allowing stable driving on any kind of road surface - and for its durability. With this race, the Team Geolandar launches a new push into full-scale off-road racing, where it is confident it will continue to demonstrate the performance of its products and accumulate the knowledge and experience to make them even better.

Begun in 1916, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is a venerable tradition that marks its 87th running this year. Racing to the 4,301-meter summit, participants cover a 20-kilometer course beginning at the 2,862-meter level. The race is famous for the severity of its conditions: rapidly changing temperatures and weather, a combination of tarmac and gravel surfaces, and 156 curves. This year, in all classes, more than 200 automobiles and motorcycles will compete.

Length:3,500 mm
Width:1,800 mm
Height:1,270 mm
Wheelbase:2,530 mm
Weight:750 kg
Motor:Advanced DC L91 -4003 x 2 units
Battery:Sanyo lithium-ion 151, 2V/15,984 Wh
Tires:Geolandar H/T-S(235/65R16)